The Best Dental School Extracurriculars

Applying to dental school is a competitive process, and admissions committees look for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate more than just strong grades. While academic performance and a solid DAT score are important, meaningful extracurricular activities can set you apart from other applicants and improve your chances of acceptance.

The right dental school extracurriculars show commitment to the dental profession, leadership skills, hands-on experience, and a passion for patient care. Whether you're a pre-dental student looking to build your application or an aspiring dental student trying to gain experience, choosing the right activities is critical.

Why Extracurricular Activities Are Important for Dental School Admissions

Dental schools seek well-rounded applicants with strong academics, leadership skills, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. Extracurricular activities help demonstrate these qualities while also preparing students for the demands of dental school by improving time management skills and organization. Additionally, involvement in extracurriculars for dental school provides networking opportunities with local dental clinics and professionals, which can lead to research opportunities, internships, and job prospects.

How They Strengthen a Dental School Application

Dental school admissions committees value applicants who are well-rounded and demonstrate skills beyond academics. Extracurriculars for dental school highlight qualities like leadership experience, teamwork skills, and the ability to balance responsibilities.

Key benefits of extracurricular involvement:

• Demonstrates hands-on experience in the dental field
• Builds essential leadership skills for a future dental practice
• Helps develop problem-solving abilities and communication skills
• Shows dedication to community service and improving oral health
• Provides exposure to the realities of the dental profession

How to Choose Extracurricular Activities for Dental School

Focus on Your Interests and Passions

• Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy to stay motivated throughout the application process.
• Demonstrate authenticity and a well-rounded personality.
• Engage in hobbies or activities that allow for personal growth and fulfillment.

Consider the Skills You Want to Develop

• Build leadership skills by joining student government or serving as a club officer.
• Enhance teamwork and communication through sports or group volunteering.
• Pursue research opportunities to strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Develop manual dexterity through hobbies like playing an instrument or crafting.

Consider the Impact on Your Community

• Volunteer at a local dental clinic or participate in community outreach to demonstrate your commitment to oral health.
• Organize or assist with health initiatives or volunteer opportunities focused on underserved populations.
• Join or lead initiatives aimed at improving oral health education in your community.

Types of Extracurriculars That Strengthen a Dental School Application

• Clinical and Hands-On Experience
• Research and Scientific Exploration
• Community Service and Volunteering
• Leadership and Campus Involvement
• Sports, Arts, and Unique Extracurriculars

1. Clinical and Hands-On Experience

Admissions committees prioritize applicants with real-world exposure to the dental field. Clinical experience confirms an applicant’s commitment to dentistry, builds patient care skills and provides direct insight into the daily responsibilities of a dental practice. These experiences demonstrate initiative and preparedness for the demands of dental school admissions.

Shadowing Dentists and Dental Assistants

Spending time in local dental clinics observing professionals gives applicants a firsthand look at how a dental practice operates. Shadowing provides insight into treatment procedures, patient interactions, and the technical skills required in the dental profession. Admissions committees view shadowing as evidence that an applicant has taken the initiative to explore the field beyond academics.

Benefits of shadowing:

• Direct exposure to patient care, chairside procedures, and dental treatments
• Understanding of various specialties such as orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery
• Opportunity to ask professionals about career paths and gain mentorship
• Stronger dental school application by demonstrating genuine interest and commitment

Volunteering at a Dental Clinic

Volunteering in a dental clinic offers hands-on experience while making a meaningful impact on underserved populations. Many dental school applicants assist with administrative tasks, patient education, or community outreach programs focused on improving oral health. This type of involvement not only benefits the community but also builds leadership skills and practical knowledge.

How it helps your application:

• Demonstrates dedication to dental care and community service
• Provides real-world exposure to patient needs, treatment planning, and clinic operations
• Develops communication and teamwork skills in a professional healthcare setting
• Enhances leadership experience through event coordination and patient education

Working as a Dental Assistant

Becoming a dental assistant is one of the most effective ways to gain clinical experience before applying to dental school. Some students pursue certification and work part-time in a dental practice, gaining exposure to patient care, dental procedures, and office management. This experience goes beyond shadowing, allowing applicants to assist with real treatments and interact closely with patients.

Why Dental Assisting Boosts an Application:

• Direct, hands-on involvement in patient care and chairside assistance
• In-depth understanding of daily responsibilities in a dental practice
• Strengthens technical skills, including sterilization, impressions, and instrument handling
• Builds relationships with dentists who can provide strong recommendation letters

2. Research and Scientific Exploration

Having research experience on a dental school application highlights an applicant’s ability to think critically, analyze data, and contribute to advancements in the dental field. Admissions committees recognize that students who engage in scientific research develop skills that translate directly to problem-solving in clinical settings.

Participating in Research Opportunities

Working on a research project in dentistry or a related field demonstrates an applicant’s ability to think analytically, work systematically, and contribute to evidence-based practice. Many dental schools prioritize research-minded applicants, especially those considering academic or specialized career paths. Research also helps students stay informed about the latest developments in oral health and patient treatment techniques.

Benefits of Research Involvement:

• Develops analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strengthens an applicant’s personal statement by showcasing scientific curiosity
• Provides hands-on experience with data collection, experimentation, and analysis
• Builds connections with faculty who can provide strong recommendation letters

Joining Pre-Dental Research Groups

Many universities offer pre-dental clubs that help students connect with research opportunities. These groups often work with faculty members to explore studies in oral health, patient care, and dental technology. Applicants who actively participate in research projects gain a competitive edge by demonstrating their ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges in dentistry.

How Pre-Dental Research Enhances an Application:

• Shows initiative in exploring scientific research related to dental care
• Strengthens an applicant’s ability to interpret clinical findings and improve patient care
• Highlights dedication to academic growth and evidence-based practice in dentistry

3. Community Service and Volunteering

Many dental schools prioritize applicants who are dedicated to community service and making a difference in underserved populations. Engaging in service-related activities demonstrates compassion, leadership, and a strong commitment to improving oral health. Volunteering also allows applicants to gain hands-on experience in patient care and public health initiatives, which can help strengthen a dental school application.

Dental Mission Trips

Some organizations offer dental mission trips, where students assist dentists in providing essential dental care to communities with limited access to healthcare. These experiences expose pre-dental students to the challenges of global oral health while reinforcing their ability to adapt to different clinical settings.

Why Dental Mission Trips Are Beneficial:

• Provides hands-on exposure to patient care in underserved communities
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to community service and public health
• Enhances cultural awareness and adaptability in the dental field
• Offers an opportunity to work alongside experienced dentists and gain mentorship

Volunteering at a Soup Kitchen or Health Initiative

While not directly related to dentistry, volunteering at a soup kitchen or participating in health-focused community programs demonstrates an applicant’s dedication to helping others. Admissions committees value applicants who show a genuine commitment to service, as these qualities translate well into a career in dentistry.

How General Volunteering Strengthens a Dental School Application:

• Shows a commitment to serving underserved populations
• Demonstrates empathy, leadership, and strong interpersonal skills
• Reinforces a well-rounded profile beyond academic achievements
• Highlights time management skills by balancing academics with service work

Running a Tutoring Program for Pre-Dental Students

Many pre-dental students lead or participate in tutoring programs to help their peers with subjects like biology, chemistry, and anatomy. These programs not only assist other students but also demonstrate leadership and reinforce academic knowledge.

Why Tutoring Experience Matters:

• Builds leadership skills by mentoring many pre-dental students
• Reinforces subject knowledge and strengthens problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrates initiative and a commitment to academic excellence
• Helps develop communication and teaching skills essential for patient education

4. Leadership and Campus Involvement

Admissions committees seek dental school applicants who demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to manage responsibilities effectively. Being involved in leadership roles within pre-dental clubs, student organizations, and community initiatives showcases an applicant’s initiative, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to the dental field.

Joining Pre-Dental Clubs and Student Organizations

Many pre-dental students join pre-dental clubs to connect with peers, professionals, and faculty members. These organizations provide research opportunities, clinical exposure, and guidance on the dental school application process. Taking an active role in a pre-dental club not only strengthens an applicant’s leadership experience but also offers networking opportunities that can be beneficial for future dental school admissions.

How Pre-Dental Clubs Strengthen an Application:

• Provide access to research opportunities and professional mentorship
• Allow students to participate in dental school extracurriculars that develop leadership skills
• Offer networking opportunities with many dental schools, professors, and practicing dentists
• Help applicants stay informed about the latest advancements in dentistry

Holding Leadership Positions in Student Groups

Serving as an officer in a pre-dental club or leading other student organizations shows initiative and the ability to take on responsibility. Many dental schools value applicants who can manage multiple commitments, as this reflects the demands of a dental student’s workload. Leadership roles help develop organizational and time management skills, both of which are essential for success in a dental practice.

Benefits of Leadership Experience:

• Demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and the ability to lead a team
• Enhances problem-solving and teamwork skills needed in the dental profession
• Strengthens interpersonal and communication skills by working with peers and faculty
• Shows the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining academic performance

Leading a Community Health or Outreach Project

Applicants who organize an oral health awareness campaign or lead a free dental care check-up event to demonstrate initiative and engagement with the dental field. Planning and executing a community project shows dedication to improving oral health, while also highlighting an applicant’s ability to manage complex tasks.

How Community Outreach Enhances a Dental School Application:

• Proves a commitment to community service and public health initiatives
• Builds leadership skills by coordinating volunteers and managing logistics
• Provides experience working with local dental clinics and other healthcare organizations
• Highlights passion for patient education and advocacy in oral health

5. Sports, Arts, and Unique Extracurriculars

While clinical experience and academic performance are essential, non-traditional extracurricular activities can also play a significant role in strengthening a dental school application. These activities demonstrate skills and qualities that are highly valued in dentistry, such as teamwork skills, manual dexterity, and commitment.

Playing on a Sports Team

Participating in team sports teaches valuable life skills that are directly applicable to dental school and future dental practice. Team sports require discipline, collaboration, and the ability to manage stress, all essential traits for a dental student. Playing on a sports team also showcases an applicant’s ability to balance academics with extracurricular activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is critical for success in the demanding field of dentistry.

Why Playing Sports is Beneficial:

• Teamwork skills: Working with others towards a common goal is vital in a clinical environment where collaboration with staff and patients is key.
• Stress management: Athletics helps develop the ability to handle stress effectively, an important skill for dealing with the pressure of dental school.
• Discipline and time management: Balancing practices, games, and academic commitments demonstrates an ability to manage time effectively, a crucial skill for dental students.

Developing Manual Dexterity Through Hobbies

Dentistry requires exceptional manual dexterity for performing precise procedures. Engaging in activities such as playing a musical instrument, sculpting, or painting helps enhance fine motor skills, which are directly transferable to dental work. These hobbies not only demonstrate an applicant’s attention to detail and patience but also show a commitment to improving skills that are crucial for success in the dental profession.

Why Manual Dexterity Matters:

• Fine motor skills: Activities like playing the piano or painting require hand-eye coordination, which is essential for performing dental procedures.
• Attention to detail: The precision involved in these hobbies mirrors the precision required in dentistry, particularly during treatments like fillings or extractions.
• Patience and focus: These hobbies require consistent practice, helping students build the focus and dedication necessary for a demanding dental career.

Pursuing Other Personal Interests That Demonstrate Commitment

Admissions committees value applicants with diverse interests and hobbies, especially those that showcase commitment and perseverance. Whether it’s volunteering, traveling, or engaging in personal projects, these experiences highlight an applicant’s well-rounded personality and determination to grow both personally and professionally. Pursuing activities outside of dentistry demonstrates a strong work ethic and a passion for continual self-improvement.

Examples of Unique Extracurriculars:

• Learning a second language can be helpful when serving diverse patient populations in a dental practice
• Volunteering for causes that support community health or other charitable organizations
• Engaging in creative activities like writing, photography, or coding, which foster problem-solving and creativity

How to Balance Academics and Extracurricular Activities

Balancing coursework with extracurriculars is key. Many dental school applicants struggle to find the right mix of involvement without sacrificing strong grades.

Time Management Tips

How to Showcase Extracurricular Activities in Your Dental School Application

Highlighting Activities in a Personal Statement

Admissions committees are looking for meaningful experiences, not just a long list of activities. In your personal statement, focus on how your extracurricular activities have helped shape important skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and your commitment to dentistry. It's essential to link your experiences directly to your motivation for pursuing a career in dentistry and how they've prepared you for the challenges of dental school.

Tips for Writing Your Personal Statement:

• Reflect on how your activities contributed to your personal growth and interest in dentistry.
• Highlight your unique experiences and explain how they set you apart from other applicants.
• Be honest and show passion for the field of dentistry and patient care.

Using Specific Examples

Rather than simply listing your activities, provide specific examples that demonstrate the depth of your involvement. This gives admissions committees a clearer picture of your commitment and accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying, "I volunteered at a dental clinic," offer concrete details about your role, hours worked, and the impact you made.

Example of a Specific Volunteer Experience:

"I volunteered 200+ hours at a local dental clinic, assisting with patient education and organizing outreach programs for underserved populations. I helped educate patients about proper oral hygiene and coordinated free dental check-ups for families without access to regular care."

Bottom Line

To make your dental school application stand out, choose extracurricular activities that match your interests and goals in dentistry. Focus on activities that help you develop skills like leadership, teamwork, and manual dexterity, while also showing your commitment to helping others. When writing your personal statement, give clear examples of your involvement and explain how these activities have helped you grow and prepare for a career in dentistry. By balancing your studies with meaningful activities and managing your time well, you can show admissions committees that you are a dedicated and capable candidate for dental school.

Get Help From a Dental School Admissions Coach

Getting into dental school can be tough. A coach can help you improve your application, write a strong personal statement, and prepare for interviews.

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FAQs

What are the best extracurriculars to get into dental school?

• The best extracurriculars for dental school include activities that develop leadership skills, teamwork, manual dexterity, and a commitment to community service. Examples include volunteering at dental clinics, shadowing dentists, participating in research projects, and being active in pre-dental clubs. Additionally, involvement in sports teams or pursuing hobbies like playing a musical instrument can also strengthen your application.

Do dental schools verify extracurriculars?

• Yes, dental schools often verify the extracurricular activities listed in your application. They may request letters of recommendation or documentation to confirm your involvement. It's important, to be honest and provide specific examples of your experiences to back up your claims.

What are good hobbies for dentistry?

• Hobbies that develop manual dexterity, creativity, and problem-solving skills are particularly beneficial for dentistry. These include activities like playing musical instruments, sculpting, painting, or engaging in hands-on projects. Additionally, sports or fitness activities that promote teamwork, discipline, and stress management can be valuable.

Is a 3.7 GPA bad for dental school?

• A 3.7 GPA is generally considered a solid academic standing for dental school. While it may not be as competitive as higher GPAs, it is still a respectable score. Admission to dental school depends on various factors, including your GPA, DAT scores, extracurricular involvement, and personal statement. A 3.7 GPA paired with strong extracurriculars and a well-rounded application can still make you a competitive candidate.